IPC 473 → BNS 341: Counterfeit Seal (General)

Quick Summary: IPC 473 vs BNS 341

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 473 covers counterfeit seal (general), among the IPC's offences relating to documents and currency marks — forgery, making false documents, counterfeiting marks and currency-note offences. Carried into the BNS as BNS 341, its modernised definitions squarely cover electronic records and digital forgery.

What did IPC 473 cover?

IPC 473 dealt with counterfeit seal (general) — making or possessing counterfeit seal, etc., with intent to commit forgery punishable otherwise. Until 30 June 2024, every FIR and criminal trial for this offence was registered and prosecuted under this provision of the Indian Penal Code 1860.

BNS 341: What changed in the new law?

Merged into Section 341. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to counterfeit seal (general) are filed under BNS Section 341, while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 341

Same - Up to 7 years

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: For counterfeit seal (general), whether the document is 'false' and was made to cause damage or fraud is decisive — anchor the defence in BNS 341 and the document's purpose.
• Police officers: Seize and exhibit the forged document or instrument; the counterfeit seal (general) offence is registered under BNS 341.
• Law students & citizens: Creating or using a forged document — including digital records — to gain an advantage, as in counterfeit seal (general), is an offence regardless of whether anyone ultimately lost money.